Bad boy

Chapter five: The rescue

AMELIA

After an incredible day of watching performances, from dancing to singing and everything in between, we were all exhausted. It was already evening, and my shift at the cafe was about to start. Olivia, looking even more tired than me, decided to leave with Elena after dropping me off.

I began my work, going through the usual routine. The night was getting late, and soon enough, it was closing time. Yet, Mrs. Stevens, the cafe owner, still hadn't arrived to lock up. Another staff member and I were waiting, making small talk to pass the time.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and I looked over eagerly, hoping it was Mrs. Stevens. But to my surprise, it wasn't her at all—it was Aaron. He looked just as shocked to see me as I was to see him.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I held up a coffee mug with a grin. "As you can see, I'm working."

He chuckled. "Well then, can you make me an espresso?"

I nodded and got to work on his order, and he stayed at the counter, chatting with me the entire time. I handed him the espresso, and he took a sip, his gaze lingering on me. I suggested he take a seat, but he insisted that I join him instead since it was nearly closing time. A few minutes later, Mrs. Stevens finally arrived, and I was ready to leave.

As I stepped outside, Aaron called out to me. He was leaning against his car, with Popo, his dog, eagerly wagging his tail from the passenger seat. I walked over, unable to hide my excitement at seeing Popo. The fluffy pup jumped up on Aaron, making me laugh.

"Popo, calm down! She's not going anywhere," Aaron said, attempting to soothe the overexcited dog. Popo finally sat down, his tail still wagging furiously.

Aaron looked at me seriously. "It's too late for you to be going home alone. Let me drop you off."

"No, it's okay I can manage" I say politely. "Ohh really how!! For my information the last bus it now round hour later." He said with serious tone make me gasped.

I tried to protest, but the look on his face made me pause. Seeing his worry, I agreed. I climbed into his car, giving Popo some scratches as he settled onto my lap. We chatted while Aaron drove, though Popo made it hard for either of us to get a word in as he happily demanded attention.

Eventually, we reached my place, and as I was about to get out, I hesitated. It didn't feel right to let him go without inviting him in, so I asked him if he wanted some coffee or water. Aaron agreed, parking the car and leaving Popo inside since he hadn't planned on staying.

As we stepped into my apartment, I felt a pang of hunger. I glanced at Aaron, deciding to repay him for the ride by cooking us a quick meal. But something was off—Aaron looked tense. He was unusually quiet, his expression distant.

"Are you hungry?" he finally asked.

I nodded. "Yes, I was thinking of making something. Is there anything specific you'd like?"

Before I could head to the kitchen, Aaron grabbed my hand, stopping me. His eyes were serious, almost panicked. "Not here. Let's go out. I know a great Chinese restaurant nearby."

I was taken aback by his sudden insistence. "Wait—why? What's going on?"

He didn't answer right away, just led me toward the door. We got into his car, and as he started driving, I noticed he kept glancing at me with a look of dread. Popo, sensing my unease, rested his head on my lap, as if comforting me.

Finally, Aaron spoke, his voice low and shaky. "Amalia... don't freak out, okay?"

I felt a chill creep over me. "What? You're scaring me, Aaron. Just tell me."

He took a deep breath. "I... I saw someone in your apartment. Under your bed. I swear I saw him lying there with my own fucking eyes. I didn't know what to do, so I got you out of there."

My blood ran cold. "What? No, that can't be. I locked the door myself. No one else could be in there!"

I tried to laugh it off, hoping he was joking, but the serious look on his face made my heart pound with fear. "Are you sure? You must have mistaken something. Right?"

Aaron gently placed his hands on my shoulders, making me face him. "Amalia, I know what I saw."

"But... but I checked the lock. And you saw me unlock it when we come, right?" My voice shook as tears welled up in my eyes.

Aaron nodded grimly. "That's why I'm calling the cops. It's too dangerous to go back in there alone." He dialed the police, explaining the situation. They assured him they'd arrive quickly since there was already a patrol nearby.

As we waited, Aaron did his best to calm me down. I was trembling, struggling to breathe. When the cops arrived, we led them up to my apartment, handing over my keys. Aaron and I stayed outside, my heart hammering in my chest as we waited in tense silence.

Then, there was a commotion inside—shouting, scuffling, the sound of furniture being knocked over. My whole body tensed, and I clung to Aaron's arm as he held me close. Moments later, the door swung open, and two officers emerged, dragging out a disheveled man.

The man's wild eyes locked onto me as he started yelling, his face twisted in rage. "You... you'll regret this, you little—!" He spat, hurling threats as the cops restrained him. "I'll be back for you! Bitch. You can't hide!"

Aaron tightened his grip on me, shielding me from the man's glare as my whole body shook with terror. One of the officers approached us, his expression somber. "We've been looking for this guy. He's wanted for attacking two women. You're lucky we got here in time."

As the officers led the man away, I felt my legs give out. Aaron held me, murmuring reassurances, but I was too numb to respond. The gravity of the situation hit me hard, and I couldn't stop the wave of panic that washed over me. I clutched at Aaron, my voice barely a whisper. "What if you hadn't been there? What would he have done to me?"

Aaron stroked my hair gently. "Don't think like that, Lia. I'm here. You're safe now."

My breathing was shallow, coming out in gasps as tears streamed down my face. "I... I can't go back there. Not tonight. I need to get away from here."

Aaron nodded, leading me to his car. "I'll take you to your friend place. She'll help you calm down."

I clung to his arm the entire way, mumbling my fears aloud as he drove. "What if he'd hurt me? What if I'd come home alone?"

Aaron's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Stop, Lia. Don't think like that. I'm here, okay? You're going to be fine. Just breathe."

We arrived at Elena's place, and Aaron quickly called her from my phone, explaining what had happened. She rushed out, pulling me into a tight embrace. Aaron gently handed me over to her, his face full of concern as he assured us both that everything would be fine.

I knew he was right, but in that moment, all I could feel was gratitude—for Elena, for the police, and most of all, for Aaron. He'd saved me, in more ways than one. And as I watched him leave, I felt a small glimmer of strength returning, knowing that there were people in my life who'd do anything to protect me.

To be continued....

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